About

In 1987 Abel Tasman Kayaks and Ocean River Adventure Company started kayak rentals in the Abel Tasman National Park, and formed the foundation of what is now a thriving industry across New Zealand. 20 years later the two joined forces and created New Zealand’s largest kayak company both in size and experience. We now have a team enjoying over 250 years between us.

Many sunny days and many, many paddle strokes later…we can say we’ve grown a little bigger, but have never lost the passion for what we do, or the wonder of this environment. Our focus was, and still is, on safety and on protecting the Park for the benefit of current and future generation.

In 1987 Abel Tasman Kayaks and Ocean River Adventure Company started kayak rentals in the Abel Tasman National Park, and formed the foundation of what is now a thriving industry across New Zealand. 20 years later the two joined forces and created New Zealand’s largest kayak company both in size and experience. We now have a team enjoying over 250 years between us.

As the owner of Abel Tasman Kayaks Freedom Rentals, I feel privileged to have our team introduce this beautiful place that we call home. Enjoy.

Jack Kelly

GPS Safety Tracker

We pioneered Sea Kayaking in New Zealand in the 80’s, overnight guided tours int the 90’s (the Classics), Park Starts in the 2000’s and we have continued to lead the way. We have now pioneered a new level of safety with a world first kayak GPS tracked safety system. We are committed to the safety of our guests so have invested in an IoT solution. We have teamed up with a leading IoT builder to develop a GPS tracking system that allows us to monitor clients safety and alert us if they are headed for areas that we consider high risk, it also lets us know that clients are safely in campsites at the end of the day. Every rental kayak embarking on an overnight trip includes this technology. This is a huge step forward for our industry as we continue to strive for the safest and most rewarding outdoor experiences for our guests.

“Teaming up with IoTStream to develop what we believe is a first of its kind, tracking system for kayaks in a coastal environment, has been absolutely awesome. This technology will take our business to a new level of safety and service, and ultimately is a tool that will become industry standard.” Says Jack Kelly, owner of Abel Tasman Kayaks.

Reverence

We have a very special place here. The Abel Tasman National Park is a profoundly beautiful coastal paradise that has been enjoyed by many cultures over many centuries. It is an environment that we share with many life forms on both land and sea. As we protect and enhance the Abel Tasman's natural balance, we guard its soul. We hope you are inspired to take something special away from us to share in your environment back home. We have absolute reverence for this special place and it is our privilege to now share it with you.

Safety

We consider your safety to be paramount!

We pioneered Sea Kayaking in New Zealand in the 80's, overnight guided tours in the 90's (the 'Classic's'), Park Starts in the 2000's and we have continued to lead the way and have now pioneered a new level of safety with a world first Kayak GPS Tracked Safety System. We are super excited to say that we have teamed up with a leading IoT platform builder to develop a GPS tracking system that allows us to monitor your safety, and alert us if you are headed for areas that we consider higher risk. Every rental kayak embarking on an overnight trip includes this technology. This is huge step forward for our industry as we continue to strive for the safest and most rewarding outdoor experiences for our guests.

We have a very comprehensive Safety Management Programme in place which is externally audited to ensure our systems and operating procedures are of the highest standard in the industry. Abel Tasman Kayaks is also a founding member of the Sea Kayak Operators Association of New Zealand (SKOANZ) which has been the leading force in safety on the water for sea kayak operators throughout New Zealand. All of our guides are certified through SKOANZ or have approved equivalent qualifications. The majority of our experienced guides have extra qualifications through outdoor adventure studies and local training. Other training includes comprehensive First Aid, coastguard qualifications, weather forecasting and local history of the Park. Abel Tasman Kayaks has an annual replacement programme for the kayaks and gear to ensure that you are using equipment that is the best available on the market. We have a documented maintenance programme so that all our gear is maintained regularly.